Preview: UFC Fight Night 217 Prelims

Lightweights

Mateusz Rebecki (16-1) vs. Nick Fiore (6-0)
Odds: Rebecki (-700), Fiore (+510)

This should be a fun clash between UFC newcomers. Mateusz Rebecki is part of this latest batch of Contender Series signees, and the Pole is on the side of being experienced and being ready to make an impact; Rebecki's been a pro since 2014 and has run through some solid opposition to make his way here. Rebecki's short and stocky for a lightweight at 5-foot-7 but makes up for that with an impressive level of aggression, looking to take out his opponent for a quick knockout before pivoting to some strong wrestling and grappling. Initially slated to face Omar Morales here, Rebecki will instead make his debut against New Englander Nick Fiore, who's certainly on the opposite end of the experience spectrum. A pro for about three years, Fiore has looked good in what footage is available as a lightweight with some size and physicality that can quickly take opponents to the mat and hunt for a submission. It's a promising base to start with, particularly coming out of a strong camp, so it seems like the main question will be if Fiore is making it to the UFC too early, rather than if he'll eventually turn into a highly effective fighter. With the size advantage and the fact that Rebecki's going to meet him head on, it wouldn't be a shock if Fiore showed out for a big UFC debut - but at this point it's hard not to lean towards the much more seasoned fighter against someone who hasn't been out of the first round. The pick is Rebecki via third-round stoppage.

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